Study: Young Pro-Romney Voters More Likely To Vote Than Obama’s

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BALTIMORE (CBS BALTIMORE) — A majority of young voters largely prefer President Obama, but are less likely to vote in this election than those who support Mitt Romney.

A study released on Wednesday by the Harvard Institute of Politics claimed voters between the ages of 18 and 29 trust President Obama more on issues pertaining to their age group by 31 percentage points. However, more young voters supporting GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney are more likely to “definitely vote” in this year’s general election, exceeding Obama voters by 10 percent.

Both campaigns recognize the importance of winning the youth vote in this election, and have been working to reach out to that demographic as the election is under three weeks away. The Obama campaign looks to revive the spark that it had with the youth vote in 2008.

“We want to make sure young people are engaged and informed about the issues,” Elizabeth Purchia, press secretary for Obama for America Iowa, told The Daily Iowan. “This is why the Obama for America campaign has taken such strides to ensure students are registered and have access to voting satellites.”

Kelsey Boehm, the president of the UI College Republicans, echoed the results of the Harvard poll.

“I find that among Republicans, I find the exact opposite [of apathetic youths],” she told The Daily Iowan. “While young voters may have lost enthusiasm for Obama, students are still enthusiastic about the election and will show up to vote.”

A.J. Spiker, the chairman of the Iowa GOP Party, said he has noticed a large dampening of young voters’ enthusiasm. He blames this on Obama’s disappointments.

“They’re looking at an economy where they can’t even find a job,” Spiker told the Iowan. “In 2008, energy for Barack Obama was through the roof, and this year it’s literally nonexistent.”

While younger voters across the nation may be less excited about the election than they were in 2008, many feel the attention paid to their vote has made many more informed.